One-Day Bodhisattva Zen Retreat Dharma Master Changlin Awareness and Insight

July – The season when summer heat overwhelms.

At Vimalakīrti Hall, Bodhisattva Temple in Dali, Taichung,

a quiet coolness and joy flows gently, on its own…

The wisdom and fragrance of the Dharma have never faded.

“Bodhisattva Temple is small, but it can surely help you discover yourself. There are many parts of ourselves we don’t yet know—perhaps in this space, you may find a treasure within that you haven’t yet discovered.”

On the morning of the 8th, the “Awareness and Insight Workshop” was held at Bodhisattva Temple, led by Dharma Master Changlin. Sister Yeh, the temple's director, warmly eased the room’s initial tension with her opening words: “Let’s begin today with a core energy: gratitude. There are many causes and conditions that make this one-day Zen retreat possible. And first of all, be grateful to yourself—without your own intention and aspiration, you wouldn’t have arrived here.”

The preparations for the workshop were complex and filled with care. Deep gratitude is extended to Master Huiguang, the abbot of Bodhisattva Temple, whose compassion made this possible. He hoped that this space for cultivation would not rely on one single teacher. He is currently in Nepal, guiding our young novice monks in study. The founding of Bodhisattva Temple was rooted in Buddhist education—thus, the Bodhisattva Novice Academy was established in Nepal.

“We are especially grateful to Dharma Master Changlin. I was deeply moved by something he once said: that he has a wish—to make Zen meditation a 'national movement' in Hong Kong. In fact, every one of us should live our daily lives with a Zen mind. That’s why we invited Master to hold a one-day Zen retreat here at Bodhisattva Temple. He also brought along a team of volunteer Bodhisattvas from Hong Kong to support the participants.”

“We are also deeply thankful to Teacher Zheng Huichung, who generously supported us by providing Zen clothing, meditation cushions, and helping with the venue setup, as well as the Taiwan Tudog documentation team. Special thanks to Teacher Chen Jiuluo, who crafted 108 tea bowls just for this course… All of this arose from the support and care of many. Without the vows and dedication of these Bodhisattvas, such a learning opportunity would not have been possible.”

“Today is a day without mobile phones and dedicated to noble silence. In the Agama Sutra, the Buddha said that a noble disciple engages in only two things: noble silence and noble teaching. Today, we suspend reactions to the outside world and turn inward to observe the changes within our own body and mind. Whether you feel sore in your back or pain in your legs—simply experience it. Don’t make assumptions—just be fully present in the now.”

Among those attending today’s one-day retreat, more than half were experiencing Zen practice for the very first time. In silence, and to the sound of cicadas, the journey of the heart quietly begins…

Session One: Seated Meditation

“In Zen practice, the most important thing is to be mindful, not analytical. Regardless of your past experience—or lack thereof—with meditation, today we let go of all concepts about Zen. Whatever happens today, simply let it be. Don’t overthink it. Most of our suffering comes from overthinking,” Master Changlin explained gently.

“Why do we call this the ‘Awareness and Insight Workshop’? Because awareness and insight are the same—but without awareness, you cannot have insight. There's a saying in Hong Kong: ‘When talking, you’re unbeatable; but when doing, your heart is willing but your strength is lacking.’ Why? Because there’s not enough awareness.”

“If you can notice and release emotions and desires before they arise—not by suppressing them, which is exhausting and ineffective—that’s best. And one of the simplest ways to build this ability is through meditation.”

“There are many forms of Zen practice—sitting, walking, standing. What the Buddha realized under the Bodhi tree 2,500 years ago can be summed up in modern terms as the laws of nature. And the key principle is balance—both of body and of mind.”

Master then guided the participants in proper meditation posture. One student said, “I don’t think I’m suited for meditation. I never have distracting thoughts—until I sit to meditate, and then they flood in like a tidal wave!” Master Changlin smiled: “Only the dead have no distractions. If you think you usually have none, it just means your mind is so scattered you don’t notice. Once you become still, you see how many thoughts are actually there.”

“Thoughts are like a river—they keep flowing. If you ignore them, they’ll pass. If you try to block them, they’ll splash all over you.”

“When distracting thoughts arise, don’t suppress or chase them away. Let them come and go. Don’t think, ‘I’m no good at this.’ If you get carried away sixty times in a minute, congratulations—that means you noticed it sixty times. That is awareness.”

Master posed a riddle: “Is the exit of this meditation hall in front of you, or behind you? …Behind? That’s incorrect. For me, it’s in front. For you, it’s behind. Who’s right? Both are. One great benefit of learning the Dharma is realizing that things aren’t always about right or wrong. When someone sees things differently, don’t assume they’re wrong. Try seeing their perspective—that’s also awareness.”

He concluded: “Zen practice is like going to the gym. Don’t set big goals in the beginning—it’s too easy to give up. The most important thing is to keep it short, but consistent.”

Session Two: Eating Meditation

Zen practice means doing the right thing at the right time in daily life. When it was time for the midday meal, Dharma Master Changlin led everyone to observe Bodhisattva Temple’s offering ritual. The group chanted the Midday Meal Offering Verse, and then began to practice “eating meditation.”

What should our posture and mindset be while eating? No phones. No speaking. Sit upright. Hold your bowl with the grace of a dragon offering a pearl; take your food with the elegance of a phoenix bowing its head.

“Chew slowly, enjoy each bite. Be fully aware of what you’re eating, how it tastes—clear and conscious, mouthful by mouthful.”

The origin of zhai (vegetarian practice) in Buddhism stems from compassion and the precept of non-killing. But today, it goes beyond that. Industrial animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of environmental pollution on Earth.

Thus, vegetarianism is not only an expression of compassion—it is also an act of environmental care, a step toward protecting and saving our planet.

A Zen life is, ultimately, a life of balance.

Session Three: Standing & Walking Meditation

“In today’s fast-paced, fast-food culture, everything moves quickly—people’s reactions are fast, and emotions arise just as quickly. But many ideas of right and wrong aren’t based on fact—they’re just thoughts,” said Master Changlin.

Modern minds are often unbalanced, and emotional disorders are a major issue. The United Nations predicts that by 2030, emotional illness will surpass cancer and heart disease to become the world’s leading health threat. “That’s why learning meditation is so important.”

You don’t need a fixed place, posture, or equipment for meditation. “Anywhere can be a place of practice. Don’t cling to a particular environment—what matters is your state of mind.”

Meditation exists in everyday life. “You can use small pockets of time—waiting at the doctor’s office, waiting for a bus. You can meditate sitting, standing. We don’t have time today to talk about ‘sleeping meditation,’ which is actually everyone’s favorite topic,” he said with a smile.

Still, Master shared a tip for modern people who struggle with insomnia:

“Meditating before bed is very helpful. If you’re lying down and can’t sleep, practice relaxing the whole body—slowly, part by part, from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet. If you still can’t fall asleep, repeat the process. Don’t get stuck in the thought: ‘Why can’t I sleep?’ Just remember—relaxation is rest.”

Session Four: Tea Meditation

As a young man, “yum cha” at Hong Kong teahouses was about seeking outward pleasure. Now, “tasting tea” has become an inward journey of feeling and presence.

“All things in this world arise from causes and conditions. In one bowl of tea, you can see the sun, clouds, and rain—you can see plants, animals, and humans. With eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind—truly taste the tea with your whole being.”

Tea volunteers, moving with reverence and grace, offered each participant a cup of hot tea and delicate tea snacks. The soft tones of the singing bowl flowed gently through the room…

“There’s no need to analyze. Just feel. Simply enjoy this moment.”

The volunteers from Hong Kong, though not fluent in Mandarin, moved hearts with their sincerity and devotion. Among them was Dharma Master Changlin’s former wife—Hong Kong actress Annie Liu On Lai, who played Song Tian’er in the hit 1980s Taiwanese drama Chu Liu Xiang. Once married for over two decades, she now says, “Master Changlin is my teacher.” Such deep karmic affinity touched everyone present.

Sudden heavy rain disrupted the original schedule. Staff and volunteers adapted swiftly, running through the downpour, drenched but determined, ensuring the tea meditation could continue.

“Sudden changes in weather are lessons from nature, reminding us not to cling. Even the rain becomes part of our practice.”

Reflections & Sharing

Sharing 1:

“What Master taught today about adjusting posture during meditation was really helpful. And the phrase ‘Better short than none’ really stuck with me. Thank you so much.”

Sharing 2:

“I’m grateful to Master. In the morning I drive while eating breakfast, and at lunch I eat while looking at my phone, checking emails, and reviewing documents. I had forgotten what it was like to truly taste food. I’m very thankful for today’s one-day Zen retreat—it helped me recover the mindfulness I had lost.”

Sharing 3:

“I came from Tainan. I took refuge in the Three Jewels a long time ago, but due to my busy schedule, I rarely meditate. After today’s retreat, I really resonated with what Master said—that Zen can be practiced anytime, anywhere in our daily life. I’m truly grateful.”

Sharing 4:

“I’m from Changhua. Every time I come to Bodhisattva Temple, I feel a sense of sacredness in the space and in the presence of the Dharma brothers and sisters. But today, I felt that same sacred beauty in myself as well. My heart was especially full of gratitude today.”

“During the afternoon tea meditation, guided by Master, I focused for the first time in my life so deeply—observing the tea leaves, listening to the sound of hot water being poured into the bowl. I never imagined a simple bowl of tea could move me so deeply.”

“Master’s personal story was also incredibly inspiring. When I saw photos of him from the past, I thought, ‘Wow! What a dynamic Master!’ His journey showed me something important: that all external things… can be let go of.”

“I’m so thankful to Bodhisattva Temple and to the volunteer Bodhisattvas. I felt truly cared for. Every volunteer radiated such sincere devotion—I could really feel the joy and blessings they shared from within. Thank you.”

Sharing 5:

“What struck me most about Master’s story was when, during his rebellious youth, he met a good teacher—someone who didn’t give up on him, and showed him a clear path.”

“I was considered a ‘good child’ growing up, especially in the eyes of elders. Because of that, I’ve often had a hard time understanding my younger siblings who weren’t so well-behaved. I would lecture them, try to control them… and slowly, we grew more and more distant.”

“Today, I realized something: when facing children who seem rebellious, what they need is more understanding. To become a light in someone else’s life—that is something truly meaningful. I hope I can strive toward becoming that kind of person.”

English Translation

Sharing 6:

“Today was my first time experiencing Zen—especially the practice of everyday mindfulness, or living Zen. What I learned today was the value of slowness—how to enjoy slowing down in life, how to savor Zen in daily living.”

“I’m grateful to everyone for giving me such a wonderful experience. I had no sense of time all day—when Master said it was time for the midday meal, only then did I realize it was already noon.”

“In daily life, we’re constantly glued to our phones, endlessly scrolling. Sometimes it feels like we’re being held hostage by Facebook and Line—these platforms are getting smarter, while we’re getting more mindless. Today I learned so much, especially about how to live more slowly and mindfully.”

Sharing 7:

“Today was my first time participating in a Zen meditation course. Sitting in meditation for an extended period, and keeping my posture balanced, was harder than I expected. I realized I’ll need to practice more regularly.”

“I’m also deeply touched by the volunteers—some of them got soaked in the rain just to make sure our retreat went smoothly. Thank you so much for your dedication.”

Sharing 8:

“In Hong Kong, I usually serve as a volunteer for living Zen events. So when I saw this activity at the beginning of the year, I signed up to be a volunteer—but the slots were already full, so I registered as a participant instead.”

“Today felt really special. The atmosphere here is very different from Hong Kong. Everyone was sitting so still. My flight was delayed last night, so I arrived very late, and in the morning I was super drowsy—kept nodding off… But in the afternoon, I slowly settled into the meditation. I truly felt the power of Zen practice.”

Sharing 9:

“This is my second time attending a Zen retreat. I’m very grateful to Master for explaining Zen in such a relatable and practical way. I’m also thankful to Bodhisattva Temple, and I hope they continue to offer more of these wonderful courses.”

English Translation

Dharma Master Changlin spoke about Zen in a way that was grounded in everyday life. His warm and humorous style made everyone feel like a breeze of spring had entered the room. He shared:

“To truly study Buddhism, one must practice. Some people can recite endless Buddhist theories, but they can’t apply them in daily life. They’re hyper-aware of others’ faults—quick to criticize—but completely unaware of themselves. That’s a real pity.”

“Today, I didn’t use many ancient verses from the sutras. I wanted everyone to understand, so I chose to express the teachings in modern, everyday language.”

Before concluding, Master left everyone with his powerful 12-character reminder for meditation practice:

“Use more heart, less head. Better short than none.”

Dharma Master Changlin

The Wild Child Beneath the Bodhi Tree

The Wild Child Beneath the Bodhi Tree is the story of Master Changlin’s early life—a journey of a rebellious, wayward youth seeking the path to awakening.

“In 1977, I was wearing sunglasses and an afro, lighting a cigarette while having dim sum at a teahouse. In 2017, I sipped tea as a monk. So… which one is the real ‘me’?”

Master Changlin mused, “Actually, the ‘self’ is not something real or fixed—it’s not something we should cling to. Everything is constantly changing. That is the law of the universe and of nature.”

He grew up with his grandmother and siblings in a small wooden rooftop shack. “In the 1950s and 60s, most people in Hong Kong were poor. By the 70s and 80s, the economy flourished. Our generation started from nothing—and gained a lot of material wealth.”

“As a child, I had low self-esteem, mild autism, and a reading disability. Fortunately, back then, there were no such labels. Though I didn’t get along well with teachers or classmates, it didn’t seem to affect me too deeply.”

His youthful poetry expressed dissatisfaction with the world and a longing for meaning in life.

The “wild child” committed all seven youthful transgressions: skipping school, swearing, running away from home, repeating grades, smoking, fighting, and vandalism. But his rebelliousness also helped him discover a talent for photography. By age 24 in 1979, he had started his own business. Before turning 40, he had fulfilled the dreams of many—earning money, owning a home and cars, becoming a renowned photographer, and marrying a beautiful wife.

Two events set him on a spiritual path. First, he was invited to what he thought was a Christmas party, which turned out to be a Christian evangelistic meeting. Though he felt tricked, he stayed and listened. A professor spoke about Jesus in a way that moved him. He joined a fellowship group, asked deep questions—but was told, “Just believe. Don’t question so much. God has His plan.” That didn’t resonate with a wild child, so he left.

The second was when his father was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. At the time, Master Changlin was living in Australia—in a house with ocean views, a pool, gym, and sauna, driving luxury cars, and running a successful business in Hong Kong.

“By worldly standards, I had ‘made it.’ But in the face of my father’s illness, I was completely helpless.”

Coincidentally, his father had met a Buddhist couple. They explained: “This body is like an old house—it’s just time to move to a new one.” His father found peace in that idea. “This body no longer works… I’ll get a new one.” He passed away peacefully.

This encounter led Master Changlin to study Buddhism and receive the Three Refuges and Five Precepts.

In 1997, he joined a short-term monastic retreat. “I cried so much when I took the precepts—and even more when I had to give them back. At the time, I didn’t understand why. Later, I realized—it was like a child who had wandered for decades suddenly finding home.”

“That retreat felt like Pure Land. Good people gathered to learn together. And honestly, what we’re doing here today is the same. Pure Land is here and now—not just something that comes after death.”

In 2009, he was formally ordained at Patriarch Zen Forest in Taipei. “My teacher, Master Guo Ru, was extremely strict.”

There were times he collapsed, unable to bear the physical and mental toll. With his teacher’s permission, he traveled and studied different methods of cultivation.

“There’s no higher or lower path—it all depends on conditions. As long as you reach your destination, that’s enough.”

Later, realizing he had been running away, he returned to his teacher in 2016 to assist in spreading the Dharma.

Many people wonder: how did someone who once craved complete freedom choose the monastic life, often seen as restrictive?

“The truth is, my desire for freedom never changed. It simply shifted—from seeking outer freedom to seeking inner freedom. I’m still on the path. But I’m definitely freer than I used to be.”

As evening fell, the “Awareness and Insight One-Day Zen Retreat” gently came to its end. Changing out of the solemn, comfortable meditation robes and stepping outside Bodhisattva Temple, the heart was filled with peace… and joy.

Once again, it was deeply felt— the wisdom and fragrance of the Dharma have never faded, and never will.

IBS Bodhisattva Temple　International Bodhisattva Sangha

A single morning breeze, the moon and sky stretch endlessly.

The old plum tree and stone before the temple gate silently reveal the profound truth of interdependent arising through the passage of time.

Let us return to the Bodhisattva’s home, follow in the footsteps of the Buddha, and explore the truths of life.

Rely on yourself. Rely on the Dharma. Do not rely on anything else.

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